Quick Answers to Candidate Questions

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions. If you don't
find an answer to your question here, please contact the FEC's Information
Division, toll free at 800-424-9530 or by e-mail at info@fec.gov.

If you are running for the U.S. House, Senate or the Presidency, you must
register with the FEC once you (or persons acting on your behalf) receive
contributions or make expenditures in excess of $5,000. Within 15 days of
reaching that $5,000 threshold, you must file a Statement of Candidacy (FEC
Form 2 [PDF];
Instructions [PDF]) authorizing a principal campaign committee to raise and
spend funds on your behalf. Within 10 days of that filing, your principal
campaign committee must submit a Statement of Organization (FEC
Form 1 [PDF];
Instructions [PDF]). Your campaign will thereafter report its receipts
and disbursements on a regular basis. Campaigns should download the
Campaign Guide for Congressional Candidates
[PDF] and our Candidate Registration presentation [PowerPoint] for more information on the laws that apply to them.

After registration, candidate's campaign committees must file quarterly reports
to disclose all of their receipts and disbursements. Additional reports are
required shortly before the candidate's primary election and before and after
the general election. Visit our Compliance Map or reporting
page for details.

Yes. Candidates for federal office must file disclosures of their personal
finances. Contact the appropriate office for more information: candidates
for the US House of Representatives should contact the House
Committee on Ethics at (202) 225-7103; candidates
for the US Senate should contact the
Senate Select Committee on Ethics at (202) 224-2981; candidates
for US President and Vice President should review a Legal Advisory issued by the Office of Government Ethics and contact the FEC's Office of General Counsel's General Law and Advice Division at (800) 424-9530. (Personal financial disclosure reports
filed by Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates (excluding the incumbent) are available from
the FEC's Public Records Office at (800) 424-9530 (press 2).)

What restrictions apply to funds raised for a recount?

In Advisory Opinion 2006-24, the Commission concluded that funds raised by party committees and federal candidates/officeholders for recount expenses are subject to the limits, prohibitions and reporting requirements of the federal campaign finance law, but are not contributions or expenditures. Committees must disclose funds received for a recount as "Other Receipts" and funds spent as "Other Disbursements." Click on the links to see sample itemization for campaigns and for party committees.

Can federal candidates help raise funds for state and local candidates and party committees?

Yes, as long as the federal candidate raises only funds that comply with the limits and prohibitions of the federal campaign finance law. FEC regulations establish specific parameters for federal candidates' involvement in nonfederal fundraising. For additional information, visit our FAQ on these rules.